We were in Denali the first week in September, and it was mindblowingly beautiful. The aspens were golden and the tundra had turned a beautiful fucia/pink/purple.

We did a tour with the cruise company (which I would NOT do again) it did the train from Talkeetna to Denali and Denali to Fairbanks. It was fine, but I would have been happier just driving, so If you saw a moose swimming across a river you could stop and watch, not get a glimpse as the train whizzed by without getting a picture.

Sorry, I can't help with lodging, but there is plenty near Denali and I think the rates go down in September.

Have a fantastic trip.

If it's this August you should get on the stick for accommodation around Denali. Things fill up pretty fast.

The train from Anchorage is okay but IMO not the preferable method. It's scenic in parts, but not as scenic as you might expect, and it's quite slow. The drive is quicker and more interesting in my view.

The car will also allow you stay further from the park HQ should that be necessary, and would also permit you to bug out and change your plans on the fly if the weather comes down and makes an additional day sitting on the park bus sound like a downer.

As for the Seward/Kenai part, I'd keep the car the whole time (again, the train ride is beautiful but so is the drive) just drop it at Seward when you cruise. Unfortunately only Hertz has an office in Seward as far as I know, but even so I expect this would be cheaper, and certainly more convenient, than mixing trains and rental cars.

Seward is technically on the Kenai Peninsula, but with a car you could travel down to Homer, which is a lovely drive and interesting and very scenic town. There are plenty of things to do and see in Seward (Kenai Fjords National Park, Exit Glacier, etc.) and also more to see and do farther down the peninsula (Russian churches as Kenai and Nikiski, the village of Seldovia across Kachemak Bay from Homer, the Homer Spit, etc.)

And there will still be plenty of silver salmon in Resurrection Bay (Seward) in late August, if salmon fishing has any appeal - some of the best in the state.

"Am thinking of 3 full days in Denali. Does this sound about right?"

For most people two or three days is about right. Main thing to do is ride the shuttle bus into the park to view wildlife and scenery; for some people once is enough but we've found each day was pretty different in what you saw.

"Has anybody ever heard about the train from Anchorage to Denali and their experience pro or con?
From Denali the plan was to drive back to Anchorage"

This probably won't work since there's no place to rent a car in Denali. Should plan on either taking the train both ways or renting a car from Anchorage for both ways. We always had a car, there are things you can do around the entrance easier with a vehicle, like drive the 14 mile paved road into the park, where we've seen moose (often), bears (several times) and wolves (twice). And nice scenery (every time).

"Spend a day or so in Seward, and than go to the Kenai Peninsula? Any ideas of what would constitute an appropriate time to spend in the Kenai?"

2 nights in Homer and 2 nights in Seward would be about right for most people. If you don't have four nights then read up on both places and see which one sounds like a better fit for your interests.

In Denali we stayed at the Grande Denali- located on a big hill overlooking the area. The views were great, nice outside bar area- there is a shuttle to take you into the main village area. I think I would have preferred to stay in the village but where we were was fine too

In Homer we stayed at the Alaskan Suites- cute cabins overlooking the bay- great views, each cabin has a kitchen, BBQ- I thought it was a great place to stay

In Homer we took a boat trip to Halibut Cove which I recommend- have dinner at the Saltry -
Has a great outdoor deck area for dining- big fireplace built into the rocks. After dinner you have time for a walk to some of the artist studios- it is a beautiful place! While we were doing our walk, we saw an eagle swoop down and fly off with a poor little duck in its talons.
From Homer my cousin went on a bear watching trip which she really enjoyed- very expensive - but I learned that if you call the day before and they still have openings, they will sell for 1/2 price. I did love the little town of Homer!

Stop in Talkneetka if you can- very cute little town with some nice restaurants. Check out the ranger station there- they keep tabs on the climbers on Denali- when we were there, they were getting ready to do a helicopter rescue on the mountain- actually I see you will be there in August so not sure there will be climbers but check it out anyway.

We did take the train from Anchorage to Denali- comfortable way to go- can't say the scenery is fabulous- mostly a lot of trees and saw a few animals- a car is likely a less expensive way to go.

Enjoy!

Bill_H - there is a car rental at Denali (Healy) now - http://www.denalidomehome.com/